We would like to have a programmable thermostat installed for our heat pump. An older thread suggested Sandy Council at 919-669-6631 at Welding Specialist and Mechanical in Garner. Any recommendations or help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Honestly, the installation is not complicated for the average DIY person. The wires are usually color coded, but it is simple to take a picture of the old connections to use as a reference just in case. The thermostats at Lowes, Home Depot, etc. state whether they work with a heat pump so you just have to pick the one you like. I have installed six or seven at home and work over the years.
Generally, I love DIY and have tackled many projects. I wanted built-in bookcases beside our fireplace, so I taught myself and built them. I have been researching thermostats and there are so many horror stories out there that my husband really wants me to find an experienced individual to install it. It appears that there are so many variables and opportunities for something to go very wrong. So thanks for any help in my quest.
The biggest problem of which I know is that the standardization of the colors codes is not as standard with heat pumps with the emergency heating circuit which requires the eight wire rather than five wire system. That is why a picture of the prior wiring is good. The thermostat has the connections labeled just like the new one so if they are wired to the same labeled connection there will be no problem. I suppose that buying a thermostat which does not work will heat pumps would also be a potential problem, but all of the ones I purchased were fairly clear in what they did and did not do. I understand the concern though and hope you find a reasonable installer.
Bluewillow, I apologize for the peanut gallery following me into your thread. I will leave this thread so they can follow me elsewhere.
I have an older one that I installed myself and I will offer one bit of advice. the one I bought works with both Gas and electric heat pumps, however on my model they use a switch to flip between the two sources of power and apparently on my model they mislabeled the switch. If I have the switch in the electric position nothing works, however in the gas position everything works fine and has been for many years now.
The only issue I will make you aware of is that most people think the color coded wires actually mean something. Guess what, they don't. The color is only important if the installer has hooked them up color coded on the unit itself. I have heard of some mixing it up requiring you to hire a professional. If they mixed it up on the unit, and you think color coded is the way to go, you could end up with a blown transformer or even worse.
Correct, that is why replacing a thermostat should always begin with a picture of the old unit or a detailed note of where each wire was connected PRIOR to is being removed. If the red wire is connected to the "blue" connection on the old one it will have to be connected to the "blue" connection on the new one as well not the "red" connection.
When our AC/Heat unit thingy went out on us last year in the summer, my husband went online and got the drawings for it, and then went on YouTube to find out how to replace the broken part which ended up being around $10, and got it up and running again. It did take him a couple of days to figure it out, but the stuff we've learned on YouTube has been a real money saver. But if you don't feel comfortable with DIY, then that's probably money well spent for you.
Update: The technician installed a common wire to our new thermostat yesterday. Also, we had Duke Energy perform an energy audit. I wasn't able to be present for it, but there were only a couple of items that were found. We added additional insulation to the attic access door and replaced a couple of fixtures with new LEDs. One more thing that can be checked off of our "to do" list.
Had this done yesterday, Guy showed up promptly at the appointment window, notified he was on the way as well. Gave us a bunch of energy info, some supplies (lightbulbs, shower head, weatherstripping). Did a walkthrough, covered a bunch of stuff that was suggested we do. Most I feel confident I can handle myself so probably will undertake. Was done in 30 minutes. Highly would recommend for anyone.
No they did not. They did do a good (in my opinion) visual inspection and point out a few places where I had some coming in though.
